Initial Eligibility Questionnaire (IEQ)

The Initial Eligibility Questionnaire (IEQ) is the first step in obtaining an I-20 from AIC. This is a required form and must be submitted prior to any other documents. Completion of this form will be tracked on your Admission Checklist and will move your record through the necessary workflows to get you in contact with the International Student advisor or a Designated School Official on campus. You will be contacted via your AIC email within 48 hours of completing this form with further instructions and next steps.

If you have any questions, please contact our office using the contact information on the top right of this page. 

Complete the IEQ HERE

Optional Practical Training (OPT) for F-1 Students

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is temporary employment that is directly related to an F-1 student’s major area of study. Eligible students can apply to receive up to 12 months of OPT employment authorization before completing their academic studies (pre-completion) and/or after completing their academic studies (post-completion). You can learn more about OPT for F-1 students by visiting the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website.

You can learn more about OPT and apply by accessing the AIC OPT Application HERE.

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for F-1 Students

Some F-1 students are eligible for practical training. This is training that relates directly to the student’s major area of study and is an integral part of the school’s established curriculum. CPT occurs before the student’s program end date on the Form I-20.

You can learn more about CPT and apply by accessing the AIC CPT Application HERE. 

Work Eligibility: Ensure you are eligible for a Social Security number. F1 students are eligible to receive a Social Security number if they have been authorized to work in the U.S. International students are authorized to work on-campus. Off-campus employment requires prior approval from the PDSO or DSO and must be recorded in your SEVIS record. 

STEP ONE
• Get a job offer on-campus.

STEP TWO
• Gather documentation, you must have the following documents ready:
• Passport
• Form I-20 
• Form I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record) which you can get online from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website
• An employment offer letter or letter from your employer confirming your job
• Letter from PDSO or DSO authorizing your employment
                      i. Submit the Social Security Request Form to receive authorization letter from PDSO or DSO.

STEP THREE
• Complete the Online Application: The online application is the first step in the two-step process for obtaining a Social Security number and the physical card. By completing the form online, you will save time and assist the staff at the local Social Security Administration Office in accurately and efficiently processing your request. 

The online request form can be found at this link: https://www.ssa.gov/number-card/request-number-first-time

When completing the application, please use your campus mailbox as the mailing address. Foreign addresses will not be accepted. AIC’s address is: 
1000 State Street, Springfield, MA 01109

*Please note this is the only site you should access to begin the application process. The form is free to submit. Do not complete or submit a form that requests fees.

• Receive your Confirmation Number: Upon successful completion of the application form, you will receive confirmation. The confirmation will be on screen and will include an ID that starts with the letter “O”. You should screenshot or print this page.  Confirmation is the easiest and most accurate way for the Social Security Administration to retrieve your application.

STEP FOUR
• Visit the Nearest Social Security Administration Office: Bring your documents to the Social Security Administration office located at: 70 Bond Street, Springfield, MA 01104.
 
STEP FIVE
• Receive Your Card: Your Social Security card will be mailed to you at the address you provided. This process usually takes about 2 weeks, but it can vary. 

IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW:
Keep Your Card Safe: Once you receive your Social Security card, keep it in a safe place. It is an important document that you will need for various purposes in the U.S., including employment and tax filing.

If you have any questions or need assistance during the process, you can contact the SSA or visit their website for more information.